Citing “no discernible progress” in talks with rail labor unions, the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) of the National Railway Labor Conference asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to release it from mediation. Though the NMB had not taken formal action on the NCCC’s December request, it did schedule additional bargaining sessions for January and February.

Robert F. Allen, chairman of the NCCC, said. "Though vast differences remain between us on virtually every major issue, the railroads remain committed to reaching voluntary agreements with all the unions.” The NCCC said it is hopeful the additional sessions and its pending request for release from mediation will “motivate the unions to take a more serious look at these important issues.”